New Year, New Learning!

It’s that time of year again where we start looking ahead. The November/December 2025 American Libraries magazine published an article entitled: “Professional Development Is a Wellness Program.” It brings up many ways that employers can support special interests and job-related professional learning that employees often want to pursue. The article offers some sound advice for creating an individual learning road map.  The road map is great if you are thinking about pitching new learning at work!

But it got me thinking.  What are ways that employees can seek free or low-cost learning?  Enter in the Colorado State Library, CLiC (Colorado Library Consortium), and the Colorado Association of Libraries. 

Let’s start with the Colorado State Library. Professional learning with the state library will always be free to you, as we are the librarian’s librarians!

• NEW! Colorado State Library Calendar
• NEW! Workshops for You on Libraries Learn (formerly known as Staff Day Topics)
• The Sunshine and Stories Podcast is a great way to stay abreast of trending topics in Colorado Libraries.
• Dive into topics that are of interest asynchronously on Libraries Learn
• The Colorado Virtual Library is your gateway to Library Resources and News.
• Tour the Colorado Talking Book Library and State Publications at 180 Sheridan Blvd, Denver. Contact: [email protected]
• Explore 7 million+ pages of free history via the Colorado Historic Newspapers Collection (CHNC). Discover search strategies and collection insights for researchers and students alike. Contact: [email protected]

CLiC (Colorado Library Consortium) offers several low-cost, virtual and in-person, learning events throughout the year.

• Virtual Winter Workshop
  • February 4 and 5, 2026. 
  • Registration is $25
  • Register here before 1.30.26.
• 2026 CLiC and Connect: In Person Rural Meetups
  • Glenwood Springs – 4.17.26
  • Durango – 4.22.26
  • Pueblo – 5.1.26
  • Fort Morgan – 5.14.26
  • Registration is coming soon!

Finally, the Colorado Association of Libraries (CAL) has many ways for your staff to pursue personal interests by getting involved with committees and interest groups. 

• See the listing of committees and interest groups (individual membership required).
• View the CAL calendar of events.
• Individual members save on Library Journal, School Library Journal and Library Juice Academy coursework and subscriptions. Codes can be found on the member page after you log in.
• CALCON 2026 will be hosted at the Aurora Hyatt Regency this year September 9, 10, and 11. Mark your calendars!
• Not yet a member? Learn more about membership here.
• New website, community platform, and member management system coming Spring 2026!

Colorado has so many opportunities for library staff to explore and engage with learning. Consider how you might add professional learning into your plans for 2026.